A Local's Guide to Krakow, Poland

A deep dive into the history, culture, and stupidity.

One thing that makes me feel right at home with Polish people is their approach to rules.

My host, who has become a close friend, wishes to remain nameless for what soon will become obvious.

For the past month, he has taken me around Krakow, the city he has lived in his entire life. He’s a walking encyclopedia about Krakow’s history, the people he loves most live here, and he has gained success that most people could only dream of. He’ll even admit the city defines him. Yet, every time I tell him why I love Krakow, he says, “Nolan, there is something seriously wrong with you.”

In other words, the following isn’t your average travel article that sells a city to you. We’re diving into local knowledge and opinions mainstream travel mags would be too afraid to publish.

What makes Krakow stand apart from the rest of Poland?

That’s a hard one because Krakow has changed throughout my life. At first, Krakow was a place where people would stop and talk and be open. It was always very liberal.

But then, people from the Malopolska region came.

In English, you call it lesser Poland because of the geography. In Poland, we call it lesser Poland because of the people. Remember that word you taught me—hillbillies? Well, that’s them. Small-town-minded, catholic, simple—you get the picture.

Luckily, we also have around two hundred thousand students who live here, which balances out the stupidity… to an extent.

What are your 3 favourite things to do in Krakow?

Riding my mountain bikes in the Wolski forest. The Lasek Wolski forest is Kraków’s biggest park and a favourite spot for cyclists. It's on the city's west side, between Wola Justowska and Bielany. That’s where we saw Sowiniec Hill with the Piłsudski Mound, the baroque Camaldolese Monastery on Silver Mountain, the zoo, and three rocky nature reserves: Skałki Bielańskie, Skałki Przegorzalskie, and Panieńskie Skały. In the summer, there’s also a cross-country skiing trail.

Standing on top of Piłsudski Mound.